Augustów Town Beach

Augustów's town beach lies on the southern shore of Lake Necko, in the Zarzecze area, close to where the Netta flows out of the lake – the river that continues as the Augustów Canal. A sandy shore, a wooden pier with lamp posts and the guarded swimming area by the "Radiowa Trójka" beach make this the main summer spot for locals and visitors. An illuminated promenade and cycle path run along the water.

Lake Necko and the beach

Necko is a glacial lake with a well-developed shoreline, about 70% of it wooded, with many sandy beaches. To the north it joins Lake Rospuda Augustowska and, via the little Klonownica river, Lake Białe. Hotels and holiday centres line the southern shore, and next to the town beach there is a water-ski lift and a concert shell. The town has two bathing areas here that the sanitary inspectorate tests regularly – by the "Radiowa Trójka" and "Postiw" beaches – and according to the town hall the water quality compares favourably with Ełk, Giżycko and Mikołajki.

Things to do

• Sunbathe and swim in the guarded zone in summer, when lifeguards are on duty.
• Walk out on the pier and jetties, with views of Necko's wooded shores.
• Stroll or cycle along the illuminated promenade from the Netta to the Klonownica.
• Try water-skiing on the lift by the town beach.
• Head to Biała Góra by the Klonownica, where a modernist building of 1939 stands, designed by Maciej Nowicki, co-designer of the UN headquarters in New York.

Did you know?

The lake's name comes from the Yotvingian word methis, meaning "to throw"; old documents record it as Metensee (1402), Methis (1418) and Nyeczko (1515). The minesweeper ORP "Necko", in service since 1989, is named after the lake. Augustów itself lies among seven lakes and received its town charter from King Sigismund Augustus on 17 May 1557. Legend has it that the king founded the town where he first met Barbara Radziwiłł.

Tripto tips

The beach is open all year, but the guarded bathing area operates only in season – check dates, lifeguard hours and water-quality notices on the town hall website. On hot weekends come early in the morning, as the shore fills up quickly. You can walk here from the centre along the boulevards, and after a swim it is worth strolling along the promenade towards Biała Góra. Allow 3–4 hours for an afternoon of beach and walking.